hotchkis springs on a 74 charger

[belvedere65]

Hey guys! Im the new guy and I have a question. I would like to run hotchkis springs on my 74 charger. What all do I need from a 72 to make them work. Thanks.

[HPP]

I don't think Hotchkis has released the '72+ spring design for sale yet as they have a car in their shop right now doing R&D work. But, I think you may need the earlier style lower shock mount to get rid of the isolation bushings. Its been a while since I looked under a '74, so I may be fuzzy on that.

[flyinlow]

I think you just need the pre 73 shock plates  if you are willing to get rid of the spring isolators (I did on my 73).  If you ant to keep the isolators ,the centering hole in the shock braket is much larger,about 1 1/4 " . The 72 and earlier springs (Mopar XHD and others) have a centering pin about 1/2".  You can make an addaptor out of aluminum plate or weld some washers together.  I have seen poly isolators for the leafs .

[belvedere65]

Thanks for the help guys! You are right hpp just looked on hotchkis website. I guess I assumed they had them. I guess I will go with the xhd springs. And flyinlow I plan  on getting rid of all the isolation crap on front and back. I want to get the aluminum isolators for the front, get heavier torsion bars, stage 3 steering box, and bigger sway bars. The other problem I hear about those cars are the shocks are made different than the earlier ones. I hear bad things about the kyb shocks what do y'all recommend?

[flyinlow]

I have KYb Gas Adjusts on mine. They are OK for the price. A little harsh on expansion joints,decent dampening for a mostly stock suspension. I modified my LCA 's to use 72 Monty Carlo shocks. (standard GM shock 4000lb car)

I Think Firmfeel sells Bilsteens for the 73-74. Most shock choices for the front of 73-74 's are small diameter twin tube shocks like Monroe matics,probably not enough dampening.

[dangina]

remember if you buy the SS or XHD springs you need the 2" front hangers as our cars have a 22" front segment for springs whereas the pre 70 (which are what the SS and XHD springs are based off of) have the 20" front segments. Hang in there, Hotchkis has a 71 charger that their building a full TVS kit for it right now, should be available here very shorty. Dan from hotchkis has been posting updates on it on the protouringmopar site

[HPP]

The two inch longer hangers are only needed for SS springs as XHD springs are standard  22" front segment length. SS springs are based off A body main leafs, hence the need for longer hangers on B and E bodies, regardless of year. XHD were originally only available on B and E bodies, so they are a natural fit. The change in front segment length all has to do with the control bias ratio of the competition (SS) packs.

But, as pointed out, Hotchkis is working on 71+ cars currently, so unless you need springs right now, they probably will have something available by summer.

[belvedere65]

Well I guess I can wait on the springs cause I really want to try them. And I will check on the bilsteens at firm feel. Thanks guys!